Average SAT Scores You Need for the Ivy League

If you’ve got your sights set on the Ivy League, you probably already know that expectations are beyond high. These schools are known for academic excellence, incredible opportunities outside of the classroom, a long list of successful alumni… and extremely selective acceptance rates. But one of the most common questions we hear is also one of the most important: what SAT score do you need to get in?

The answer isn’t as simple as one number. Each Ivy League school reports a range of SAT scores for admitted students. These ranges vary from school to school and year to year, and they come from a mix of Common Data Set disclosures, institutional reports, and aggregated admissions data. But they give us a solid picture of what kinds of scores make you competitive.

Let’s break down what the numbers say, and what you should be aiming for if you want a real shot at admission.

Average SAT Scores at Ivy League Schools

The Ivy League includes eight schools: Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Yale. While they’re all highly selective, their average SAT scores vary slightly. Most report a middle 50% range, which means 25% of students scored below it, and 25% scored above. These ranges are what you want to pay attention to.

School	Average SAT Score Range, 2024
Brown	1440-1570
Columbia	1450-1570
Cornell	1430-1550
Dartmouth	1440-1560
Harvard	1480-1580
Penn	1460-1570
Princeton	1460-1570
Yale	1470-1580

Harvard and Yale report the highest SAT scores, with very similar ranges; Harvard’s middle range is between 1480 and 1580, while Yale’s is between 1470 and 1580. Penn, Princeton, Brown, and Columbia’s middle 50% have a high end of 1570, with slight variations in the low end of this quartile; Penn and Princeton have a low end of 1460, while Columbia’s is 1450 and Brown’s is 1440. What makes this interesting is that both Princeton and Columbia have remained test-optional; this demonstrates that a competitive test score is still highly beneficial.

Dartmouth falls just slightly lower; this school’s mid-50% range is between 1440 and 1560. And Cornell’s SAT range tends to be the most flexible in the Ivy League, typically around 1430–1550, though this can vary depending on the college within the university.

But what does that mean for you? A score range of over 100 points seems pretty big, doesn’t it? But that’s the middle 50% of the class. You want to be at the front of the pack, not the middle!

To be in the most competitive position, you’ll want to score in the upper part of these ranges, or better yet, above them. A 1550+ puts you in the top quartile for nearly all Ivies. That doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed admission, but it means your test score won’t be a limiting factor.

Why These Scores Matter More Than Ever

While some Ivy League schools went test-optional during the pandemic, many are now reversing course. All of the Ivies, except for Columbia and Princeton, have all reinstated SAT or ACT requirements for upcoming admissions cycles. These changes are backed by their own internal reviews, which show that test scores actually help level the playing field.

According to Yale, omitting scores put high-achieving students from lower-income backgrounds at a disadvantage. The university noted that “inviting students to apply without any test scores can, inadvertently, disadvantage students from low-income, first-generation, and rural backgrounds.”  Without test scores, admissions officers have to rely more on extracurriculars, AP classes, and personal essays, all factors that often favor wealthier applicants. A high SAT score gives students from under-resourced schools a way to stand out.

Essentially, test scores are making a comeback because they provide a consistent, measurable way to evaluate students, regardless of where they come from. And as more colleges shift back to requiring or strongly recommending scores, strong test performance will only become more important. 

What Score Should You Aim For? 

It’s easy to focus on the average, but at Ivy League schools, competition is so fierce that the average score often isn’t enough to tip the scales in your favor. You want your score to be a strength. For most Ivy League hopefuls, that means targeting at least a 1500. A 1450 might be within range, but it won’t necessarily set you apart, especially if other areas of your application are weaker. If you want your test score to make a difference, 1530–1580 is a smart target range.

That doesn’t mean you need a perfect 1600. Admissions committees are still looking at your application as a whole. But a higher score gives them one less thing to worry about. It helps shift attention to the other parts of your application that show who you are, what you’ve done, and why you belong on their campus.

How Important Is the SAT Compared to Other Factors?

The SAT is one piece of a very complex puzzle. The Ivy League uses a holistic admissions process, which means that your GPA, class rank, rigor of coursework, extracurricular involvement, letters of recommendation, and essays all matter too. But with thousands of applicants boasting near-perfect GPAs, the SAT can play an important role in setting you apart.

High school grades vary significantly across the country. Some schools offer dozens of AP courses, while others offer none. Some teachers grade generously, and others are more strict. Essays and activities offer a personal look at who you are, but those too are dramatically influenced by access to resources. That’s where the SAT helps. It provides a shared benchmark, allowing colleges to compare students from very different academic environments. At the highest levels of competition, small differences in SAT scores can make a big difference in how confidently a school views your academic readiness.

Are There Exceptions?

It is true that Ivy League schools accept students with a wide range of scores if they bring something exceptional to the table. Recruited athletes and students with extraordinary talent in areas like music, math, or public service may be admitted with scores outside the typical range. Merit can be demonstrated in many ways!

Some students get in with 1400s, or even lower. But these cases are extremely rare and tied to very specific contexts. If you don’t have a special hook, your best strategy is to aim high and give yourself every possible advantage. You can’t control every part of your application, but your SAT score is one area where focused effort can make a big impact.

Why the SAT Is Still Worth Taking… Even If It’s Optional

Even at test-optional schools, students who submit SAT scores are often admitted at higher rates than those who don’t. In some cases, the difference is dramatic. Colleges may not always publicize the exact data, but internal admissions officers have acknowledged the advantage.

Choosing to submit a strong score helps reinforce the rest of your academic record. It shows consistency, preparation, and readiness. It also signals that you took the initiative to prepare and put your best foot forward, even when it wasn’t required.

And there’s another reason to take the SAT: scholarships. Many merit-based scholarships still use SAT scores as a major factor, even at schools where the test is optional for admission. A strong score can put you in the running for thousands of dollars in aid.

How to Get There: Smart SAT Prep Strategies

Getting into the Ivy League means more than talent: It takes strategy. That’s why I started Prep Expert– to help students everywhere boost their scores through proven techniques, customized instruction, and expert support. SAT success doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right guidance, it’s achievable.

The key is to start early and practice consistently. Don’t cram at the last minute or rely on guessing. Take real timed practice tests, analyze your mistakes, and focus on targeted improvements. Use official SAT materials whenever possible and build a prep plan that fits your schedule. 

Another helpful approach is to break the test into manageable sections. Instead of focusing on your overall score right away, focus on raising your performance in one section at a time. If reading comprehension trips you up, start with short passages and build your endurance. If math is the weak spot, revisit foundational concepts before jumping into advanced practice problems. 

Tracking your progress is also absolutely necessary. Use score trackers and performance logs to see where you’re improving and where you still need work. You’ll stay motivated, and you’ll have clear evidence of growth over time. If your score stalls, consider switching up your study methods or joining a group course to learn new strategies. This is one of the best reasons to take a prep class with a top 1% instructor. They teach you how to tackle tough questions, and they help you build confidence and reduce test anxiety. Our courses are built to do just that, while fitting into the lives of busy high school students.

Finally, don’t underestimate the value of rest and mindset. Sleep, nutrition, and mental breaks all support memory and focus. Test prep isn’t just about grinding; it’s about training smart. Students who manage their time well and stay consistent see the best results, especially when paired with structured support.

What Really Matters for Ivy League Admission

There’s no magic SAT score that guarantees Ivy League admission. But there are scores that keep you in the game, and scores that take you out of the running. If you’re aiming for the Ivies, you need to treat the SAT as a priority, not an afterthought. Think of the test as a tool. It won’t get you into college by itself, but it can help clear the path. A strong score supports your academic story, strengthens your case for admission, and can even help you afford the school once you’re accepted. 

If you’re just starting your SAT journey, know this: you don’t have to do it alone. With the right preparation and a clear target, you can put yourself in the best possible position. And whether you’re aiming for Princeton or Penn, Prep Expert is here to help you get there. Ready to get serious about your SAT score? Explore our SAT courses today and learn from instructors who’ve already scored in the top 1%, and who know exactly how to help you do the same.